EXEC: Puma CEO Talks Cautious Approach on U.S. Turnaround
Puma SE delivered second-quarter results that topped analyst targets and said it might be able to raise its outlook for the year should the recent momentum in China, Europe and Latin America continue in the third quarter. However, Arne Freundt, Puma’s CEO, was hesitant to forecast a return to growth in the U.S. market due to weak consumer spending.
Gap, Inc. Appoints Board Member as President and CEO
Gap, Inc., the parent company of active lifestyle retailer Athleta, appointed Richard Dickson as company president and CEO, effective August 22, 2023. In November 2022, Gap, Inc. appointed Dickson to its Board of Directors.
WH inc. Hires New Creative Director, Two Other Key Creative Hires
WH, Inc. hired Hart Rusen as new creative director with over 20 years of industry experience, Senior Designer Ari Pal, who joins from Vail Resorts, and Production Designer Chase Kunz, who joins from Microsoft.
Foot Locker to Open First Store in Thailand
Foot Locker reported it is ready to open its first retail store in Thailand after transferring its operations in Singapore and Malaysia to MAP Active earlier this year.
Puma’s Q2 Earnings Down, Sales Up Despite North America Decline
Second quarter earnings declined on higher costs and currency effects despite an 11 percent currency-neutral sales gain for the period. However, earnings topped analyst expectations on strength in China, Europe and Latin America.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Jumps to Highest Level in Two Years
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index hit 117 in July, rising from 110.1 the month before. The index increased for the third consecutive month, bounding even higher after a sharp upswing in June.
OrderMyGear Appoints VP of Revenue Operations
OrderMyGear promoted Adam Gainey to VP of revenue operations. The company said Gainey would play a pivotal role in developing and executing on strategies that improve client acquisition, growth and satisfaction.
Retail and Vendor Business Groups Say Court Erred in China 301 Tariff Case
The NRF, AFAA, FDRA and other business groups urge The U.S. Court of Appeals to reverse judgment and vacate List 3 and List 4A China Section 301 tariffs.
UPS and Teamsters Reach Five-Year Deal, Averting Strike
UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing about 330,000 UPS employees in the U.S., have reportedly reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement.
Academy Sports To Open Store in Fredericksburg, VA
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. will open its first store in Fredericksburg, VA, in the fall of 2023; this is the retailer’s second store in Virginia. The store’s footprint is over 77,000 square feet.
LVMH to Sponsor 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Luxury brand giant LVMH signed on as a premium partner for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games with its jeweler Chaumet designing the medals and fashion brands Louis Vuitton, Dior, Berluti and Sephora, as well as its Moët Hennessy wines and spirits division marketed during the games.
Paramount Headwear Rebrands to Imperial
Paramount Apparel International rebranded itself and introduced Imperial as its new corporate name. Paramount acquired the Imperial golf headwear brand in late 2012. This change reflects its commitment to the Imperial flagship brand.
Adidas Ups Full-Year Guidance After Prelim Q2 Results Show Yeezy Sales Bump
Adidas now expects currency-neutral revenues to decline mid-single-digits in 2023, compared to prior guidance of a high-single-digit decline. Adi now expects to report an operating loss of €450 million in 2023 compared to the previously guided loss of €700 million.
Asics North America Names VP of U.S. Sales
Asics North America hired industry veteran Michael Dougherty as vice president of U.S. sales, effective immediately. He has over 15 years of global footwear industry experience, including at Clarks and New Balance.
Columbia Sportswear Company Hires Director of Strategic Accounts
Columbia Sportswear Company hired long-time Reebok and Adidas sales pro Dave Stellick as director of strategic accounts.
